These are truly wonderful books—I love all of them! Some are out-of-print, but are only listed if they are readily available on the secondary book market. Copies in good condition can often be found at reasonable prices.

Out-of-print books may be found in libraries or the used book market. Both Amazon and BookFinder.com are helpful sources.

• = some of our favorites

•Who's a Friend of the Water-Spurting Whale

Baker, Sanna Anderson and Tomie De Paola, illustrator

Chariot Books,
1987

Elgin, Illinois

Tomie De Paola's beautiful, soft watercolors powerfully illumine the simple text drawn from Job, "Who tells morning, 'Sweep the stars from the sky'? And who shapes the clouds that hang so high? Who says to thunder, 'When lightning dances, clap'? Who says to snow, 'Go to earth, and be quiet as a cat'? GOD"

This is my favorite children's book—I've given it many times as a baby gift together with "Goodnight Moon." This one, though, is deeply theological for no matter what the little bunny does to run away, his mother will be transformed to be with him; a lovely analogy for God's love and care.

If you could write an eleventh commandment what would it be? Children from a wide variety of churches, synagogues, and parochial schools studied the Ten Commandments and then wrote eleventh commandments. This book invites adults and children to explore ideas about God and apply them to help make the world a more holy place. Wonderful resource to use when studying the Ten Commandments. Illustrated with children's colorful drawings. Recommended for all ages.

Three stories: "Good Morning," "The Grumpy Day," and "Night Time." Teddy Horsley learns to be thankful, about forgiveness, and feeling safe at night. The stories connect everyday experiences with biblical concepts. For very young children.

This picture journey takes readers through Jesus' life in an imaginative and informative way. Each picture tells one story of Jesus with biblically based text and pointers for searching the pictures. Illustrations also have hidden objects associated with Jesus, as well as a contemporary child to remind readers that Jesus is for today, too. Parents' guide in the back provide scriptural references and other helpful information. For ages 5–9.

Simple truths about God open a way to share experience of God with children: "The word of God is like a fantastic present, the more you open it up the more it gives." "The presence of God is like the light, the light which brightens our days. . . The presence of God is like the wind, the wind which fills us with life." Luminous illustrations show a variety of children and adults. Preschool - primary.

The story of Jesus beautifully told, beginning with the angel visiting Mary, birth, at age 12, Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection. Large picture book format, full color.

•Love Is . . .

Halperin, Wendy Anderson

Simon & Schuster,
2001

New York, New York

Simple text from 1 Corinthians 13; each verse illustrated across a two page spread. One side shows scenes without the attribute, i.e., patience, and the other shows the same scenes demonstrating the alternative.

Activity book explores water and baptism through puzzles, word finds, scripture, and more. For ages 8-11. A good resource to help older elementary children and families deepen understanding of baptism.

Liturgy Training Publications: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Publications,
2002

Oak Park, Illinois

An alphabet of faith, double pages for each letter: "A is for Altar, B is for Bible, C is for chalice" etc., each with a Bible verse and full page illustration. Designed especially for the Catechesis of the Good Shepard, but useful for anyone.

Presents the commandments as the good and right way to live—language that makes sense to children: "I am God. I have always taken care of my people. You must love and obey me only." "Don't let anything be more important than me." "Do not be greedy for the things other people have." Each commandment has a double-page spread with illustration, short explanation and prayer.

Everyone and everything in the world has a name. What is God's name? This modern fable celebrates the diversity and the unity of all people while exploring concepts for God. With vibrant, engaging illustrations the text weaves together many scriptural images for God—Source of Life, Creator of Light, Shepherd, Maker of Peace, Rock, Healer, Redeemer, Ancient One, Comforter, Mother, Father, Friend—showing that all these names for God are good. Multicultural and nonsectarian.

Caldecott Medal book is wordless except for the poem by Jacobus Revius at the beginning; incredibly detailed illustrations show what life on the ark would really be like. All ages. Available for Kindle, too.

This award winning book stimulates thinking about God and the interdependence of all creatures with the earth. The watercolor illustrations draw the reader into the text. When using this book you may want to assist your group to reflect on how Christian understandings go on to complete the story. Multicultural and nonsectarian; useful for encouraging creative thought about God. Recommended for upper elementary through adults.